Intern to the Vice-President

About the Role

Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is seeking an Intern to the Vice-President to support the office's day-to-day functioning, communications, and priorities. This role offers close exposure to institutional leadership, strategy, and the running of a policy organization. It is well suited to candidates who are organized, discreet, and keen to learn how a think tank operates at the senior level.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Vice-President's calendar, including scheduling meetings, calls, and travel, and anticipating conflicts and priorities.
• Draft, review, and send correspondence on the Vice-President's behalf, and manage the inbox and follow-ups.
• Prepare briefing notes, meeting agendas, and background material ahead of meetings, events, and external engagements.
• Take notes and minutes in meetings and track action items and deadlines through to completion.
• Coordinate with ORF's research verticals, forums, communications, development, and operations teams on the Vice-President's behalf.
• Support preparation for speaking engagements, panels, and delegations, including research, talking points, and presentations.
• Assist with travel arrangements, itineraries, and logistics for the Vice-President and visiting guests.
• Maintain organized records, files, and contact databases, and handle confidential material with discretion.
• Support basic expense tracking, documentation, and approvals.
• Take on ad hoc research, drafting, and coordination tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a postgraduate degree in public policy, international relations, economics, management, or a related discipline.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, shifting priorities, and tight deadlines.
• High standards of discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and GSuite.
• A proactive, dependable, and resourceful approach, with comfort taking initiative and working independently.
• Interest in policy, think-tank work, or institutional leadership is desirable.

Terms

• This is a full-time internship based in the New Delhi office of ORF.
• Duration: six months.
• A monthly stipend will be provided.
• This is an in-person internship requiring the candidate to be based in Delhi.